People living on Brighton and Hove's most deprived estates have criticised the way some of a £47.3 million government grant is being spent.

The Argus has obtained the accounts for the first three years of the eb4u project, set up three years ago to revitalise East Brighton.

Among the scores of new schemes set up are homeopathy for children, art lessons and healthy cooking classes.

A total of £250,000 has also been spent on a team of PR consultants to give the the area a positive spin.

People living in the estates have voiced their concerns that fundamental issues remain unchanged.

They also fear money they expected to spearhead regeneration in the area is being used to supplement the budgets of schools, police and the council.

However, eb4u insists it is making a real difference to the lives of residents and is one of the most successful projects of its kind.

Friday September 12, 2003